If you lack a fenced backyard, you might love a dog run. If you need to keep dogs (or dogs and kids) separated outside, a dog run could be the answer. Even if you just want to be in charge of which areas of the garden are dog-accessible, you guessed it: a dog run could help. For many different scenarios, one of these portable dog run solutions could be the key to dog/human happiness in your family.
Keep your best friend safe while she enjoys the great outdoors with a sturdy, portable dog run, playpen, or kennel that you can move whenever you want to. Most of these dog run systems allow you to add or subtract panels to suit your needs and space, too.
How to use a dog run
A dog run is no substitute for daily walks and playtime, but it is a great way to give your dog some safe and destruction-free time outdoors to enjoy squirrel watching, running around in circles, or relaxing in a sunbeam with a good chew toy.
Remember to always provide your dog with shelter from the sun (like a dog house or dog crate) and plenty of fresh water, especially when playing outside of the house.
Our picks for best dog runs
If mobility and expandability are your top concerns, these models will interest you.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00U3E7W4U” locale=”US” tag=”rove05-20″]
ALEKO heavy-duty playpen
[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B00U3E7W4U” locale=”US” src=”https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/512KRv7HT8L-1.jpg” tag=”rove05-20″ width=”500″]
The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00U3E7W4U” locale=”US” tag=”rove05-20″]ALEKO Heavy Duty Playpen[/easyazon_link] consists of 8 sturdy wire mesh panels that are 4′ high and 30″ wide. You can easily add additional playpens to create a square or rectangular dog run. This model is [easyazon_link identifier=”B00U3E7W4U” locale=”US” tag=”rove05-20″]$164.98[/easyazon_link] with free shipping for Amazon Prime members.
Iconic heavy-duty metal tube playpen
This 8-panel portable playpen can be expanded by adding on more playpens to encompass any size of dog run. This model comes in a range of heights, so you can purchase exactly what you need for your dogs.
The 24″ model is $103.99 and the 48″ model is $169.80. Shipping is free for Amazon Prime members.
If you don’t mind giving up some customizability in exchange for sturdiness, these are the models to consider.
Chain link fence playpen with sun shade
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”334″ identifier=”B06XBN14SD” locale=”US” src=”https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/51dmUBzd8L.jpg” tag=”rove05-20″ width=”500″]
This 6′ high dog run is 20’x10′, with a partial UV shade for your dog’s comfort. You can’t change the size and shape of this dog run kit, but it is tall, good-sized, and sturdier than the panel options.
Animal House ultra heavy-duty welded wire kennel
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”481″ identifier=”B01B6DD182″ locale=”US” src=”https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/61tiNbICDgL.jpg” tag=”rove05-20″ width=”500″]
This Animal House dog kennel is part of a modular system that you can customize to your heart’s content.
If predators are a concern, or you live with a certified escape artist, there are many options with roofs, such as this gabled model.
$949.99 with free freight shipping
If you’re looking for a solution that’s prettier but not as secure, these are two options to consider.
Vinyl picket fence dog run
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”451″ identifier=”B01MS63JTG” locale=”US” src=”https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/61XhCSOS8dL.jpg” tag=”rove05-20″ width=”500″]
This 30″ high vinyl picket fence makes a 94″ by 91″ rectangle, but can be customized and added to if you’re a handy Mandy.
This is a super-cute option for small dogs or for large dogs that aren’t going to try very hard to get out. The panel ends have spikes to drive into the ground, so best used over dirt, grass, or pea gravel footing.
$212.99 with free shipping for Amazon Prime members.
Terra Garden cedar garden fence
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”375″ identifier=”B00BA0659E” locale=”US” src=”https://www.rover.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/51szrAG2cbL.jpg” tag=”rove05-20″ width=”500″]
Cedar fence panels and decorative steel posts make this an attractive fencing solution that’s pretty flexible in how you set it up. You can combine multiple kits or order extra parts directly from the manufacturer to suit any situation.
At 29″ tall, this solution won’t contain a large and determined dog, but is just right for smaller dogs.
$269.95 with free shipping for Amazon Prime members.